So my gcses were 4A* 2A 3B 1C , A* in maths, geography,history,re and the 2A's were in English language and literature respectively. For A levels im studying Maths,Economics,History and for AS i got BBC in that order. My ucas predicted grades were AAB, however im looking to go down the appreniceship route.

Im only applying to EY in the big 4, and outside of the big 4 i have found a few firms such as Crowe Clark Whitehill, MacIntyre Hudson and BT which have some really good apprenticeship schemes. The first 2 offer the CFAB which is the first 6 modules of the ACA qualification, and they offer full porgression towards the ACA afterwards depending on if you pass. The BT apprenticeship is offering the CIMA qualification.

First off, what do you think my chances are of getting in to any of these apprenticeships? They all require a minimum of BBB achieved or expected, however i've heard the competition is quite high. If i were to get offers in theory, which is better the CIMA or ACA ones and why? Im not entirely sure of what kind of accounting i want to go into, but both are highly regarded and respected so which do you think i should go for?

I may be wrong, but I would think that it would probably open many more doors for you; for example, if you want to go into the banking sector etc...

Hi ive applied to university to one of these courses which grants you exemptions from the ACA qualification ( the ICAEW is the ACA qualification) but i feel like the apprenticeship route is better as itll get me the qualification quicker and give me more experience

I'd say ACA is considered to be the gold standard in the UK and gives you more options later down the line. ACA training contracts are more exclusive and v competitive, but if you can secure one then absolutely go for it. The training will be more well grounded.

CIMA is limited to management accounting in industry. Also consider the ACCA over CIMA as it gives you more options.

(Original post by sh9)
I'd say ACA is considered to be the gold standard in the UK and gives you more options later down the line. ACA training contracts are more exclusive and v competitive, but if you can secure one then absolutely go for it. The training will be more well grounded.

CIMA is limited to management accounting in industry. Also consider the ACCA over CIMA as it gives you more options.

Yeah thats what i was thinking. Only problem is the firm/company choses the qualification, you dont get a choice of which one you want. The BT appreniceship is offering CIMA only, whilst the other 2 are offering CFAB which is the first 6 modules of ACA, and they offer progresion to the full ACA qualification after. However the BT one has some really good aspects to it and work benefits.

(Original post by Tyson_Fury)
Yeah thats what i was thinking. Only problem is the firm/company choses the qualification, you dont get a choice of which one you want. The BT appreniceship is offering CIMA only, whilst the other 2 are offering CFAB which is the first 6 modules of ACA, and they offer progresion to the full ACA qualification after. However the BT one has some really good aspects to it and work benefits.

I know. Apply for all of them and search for others too, as many as you can. I took the uni route and tbh feel like apprenticeship/AAT candidates have been favoured over me in the past. Experience is basically everything to a lot of employers.
Hopefully I can secure an ACA contract in my interview next week though!

(Original post by sh9)
I know. Apply for all of them and search for others too, as many as you can. I took the uni route and tbh feel like apprenticeship/AAT candidates have been favoured over me in the past. Experience is basically everything to a lot of employers.
Hopefully I can secure an ACA contract in my interview next week though!

What did you study at uni if you dont mind me asking? Did you get any exemptions from the ACA/CIMA/ACCA exams because of your degree, i know some uni accounting courses give you certain exemptions. Have you got an interview with a big 4 firm? Good luck with your interview as well!

(Original post by Tyson_Fury)
So my gcses were 4A* 2A 3B 1C , A* in maths, geography,history,re and the 2A's were in English language and literature respectively. For A levels im studying Maths,Economics,History and for AS i got BBC in that order. My ucas predicted grades were AAB, however im looking to go down the appreniceship route.

Im only applying to EY in the big 4, and outside of the big 4 i have found a few firms such as Crowe Clark Whitehill, MacIntyre Hudson and BT which have some really good apprenticeship schemes. The first 2 offer the CFAB which is the first 6 modules of the ACA qualification, and they offer full porgression towards the ACA afterwards depending on if you pass. The BT apprenticeship is offering the CIMA qualification.

First off, what do you think my chances are of getting in to any of these apprenticeships? They all require a minimum of BBB achieved or expected, however i've heard the competition is quite high. If i were to get offers in theory, which is better the CIMA or ACA ones and why? Im not entirely sure of what kind of accounting i want to go into, but both are highly regarded and respected so which do you think i should go for?

you forgot the d in french
and why would you say respectively after your english grades when their both As anyway? maybe an apprenticeship is also above you